The moment you step through the doors of Hayat Restaurant in Montreal, a full sensory journey begins. Nestled in the Old Port, this elegant spot beautifully blends the maritime charm of Lebanon’s coasts with the mountain warmth of Syria. Everything here is designed to evoke the soul of the Middle East, from the earthy hues of the décor to the artfully presented plates.

The setting is modern, bathed in a golden light that reflects off the grand marble bar. In summer, the terrace becomes a lovely escape, the perfect place to soak up the Montreal sun while enjoying a fragrant mezze or a leisurely brunch.

To start, I’m drawn to the muhammara, a rich red pepper and walnut spread served with warm pita bread. The portion is generous; you’d almost need twice the bread to finish it all. The texture is silky, the flavor deep and subtly sweet, though a slight excess of salt and vinegar nudges it away from traditional perfection.

For the main course, I chose the Shish Taouk, a skewer of chicken marinated in a blend of spices. Perfectly grilled, the chicken rests on crispy pita bread that soaks up the flavorful juices and seasonings. The toum sauce, airy and garlicky, enhances every bite, pairing wonderfully with both the meat and the batata hara-style potatoes.
The baba ghanouj, while delicious on its own, feels somewhat unnecessary on the plate, its smoky tones clashing slightly with the bolder flavors. Still, the dish stands as a beautiful tribute to Lebanese street food, refined and elegantly plated.

The surprise of the night comes with the halloumi kebab stuffed in eggplant, a dish that shines with its originality and depth.
The eggplant, tender and melt-in-your-mouth, wraps around a mildly salty halloumi, all coated in a grilled tomato sauce. The combination of textures and flavors evokes a Middle Eastern twist on Italian meatballs, but more refined, more sun-kissed.
It’s a harmonious, comforting, and daring dish, easily one of my favorites on the menu, and one I’d recommend without hesitation.